Chapter 227: Scale to Scale

Katlyn Farragher

Kat fell out of her chair in a clatter of steel.

Tarnu was by her side in an instant, though refraining from touching her.

Sweat drenched her undershirt and hair. Every muscle in her body was tense and sore. It felt like she’d gone through a battle, then decided to sprint up to Korvas’s peak right after.

“Katlyn, you alright?” Tarnu asked. His face and voice were creased with worry, his skin showing its age in the deep grooves and ridges.

“Aye,” Kat managed between ragged breaths. She wanted out of her armour, but that was a process. “Can ye unstrap me? Feelin’ a bit trapped.”

“I’ll try. No promises I don’t hit you by accident,” Tarnu growled.

“Trust me, won’t do much wit’ how I feel.”

“I take it the meeting did not go well?” Eldest of All asked, though it was said as a statement.

“Went about how I expected it tae go. I’m callin’ it Dearc now, and I drove a sword through its snout. Turns out Illdall locked it up in the mountains o’ me soul wit’ these golden restraints. Not entirely sure how I made tha’ golden sword tae stab it, but maybe the old God left it behind fer me?”

“Dearc? Interesting name. Do you know from whence it came?”

“Huh? Means scaled strap, don’t it?” Kat asked.

“Not in my recollection. An ancient place named Scotland, old even by Annita’s reference. Those who spoke what they called Gaelic used the word to refer to a lizard. You could not have picked a better name to infuriate the creature within you.”

Kat ignored the hissing rage in her head. “Don’t think it knew that before ye explained it,” she laughed. “It’s feckin’ pissed.”

“Well, aside from that, what else did you glean from the conversation?”

“Hm, thank ye, Tarnu,” Kat said as her breastplate fell free. With that done, he started working on her pauldrons, while Kat got the rest. “It’s feckin’ prideful an’ ambitious. It wants tae conquer an’ tae rule. The plan, apparently, is tae take me when I’m at me strongest, an’ use me body like a puppet.”

“Concerning news,” Eldest of All rumbled. “Did it allude to its origins?”

“Didn’t. Called my potential tae be the greatest o’ it’s kind, though I couldn’t tell if it meant dragons or warped. It did look more properly draconic, though. Had scales, an’ was fillin’ out a bit. It’s gettin’ stronger.”

Eldest of All’s brows furrowed, more scales cracking open with the motion. “Do you feel its power or influence increasing?”

“Nae, just how feckin’ annoyin’ it is. I know what it’s doin, an’ I’m gonna keep fightin’ it, but holy shite, ye sit in a room wit’ someone who knows everythin’ about ye that wants tae tear ye down. It’s bloody exhaustin’.”

“I… I understand the feeling.” It was the first time Kat had seen the ancient being hesitate with an answer.

“Ye wanna talk about it?”

“No.”

Well, that was that. “Alright, so it offered me a trade. Power fer me, power fer it. Told it tae stick it up its cloaca and twist. It was a feckin’ tempting offer, bein’ honest. If the damn thing led with honey instead o’ thorns, I’d likely ‘ave taken it. Didn’t, though. I didn’t. Left it on the floor, an’ walked away. I’m already changin’, clear as day. Figure I handle this my way, an’ take what I can from this freak rather than the opposite happenin’.” Her armour was finally off, and she lay out on the cool stone, letting it absorb her body heat. Scales felt so different from skin against the hard surface. They glided a little when she pushed and had no problems on a rougher surface.

“It feels nice, does it not? Your scales on stone? It has been an age since I knew that feeling,” Eldest of All said, his voice quiet.

“Different, but it’s a good different,” Kat nodded as she stared up at the ceiling.

“So, can you command it now?”

Oi, Dearc, you gonna answer questions now? Kat shouted over the raging curses in her mind.

I WILL REND YOUR HIDE ASUNDER AND NEUTER YOUR MATES WITH A DULL ROCK FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO ME! YOUR FAMILY AND LANDS WILL BURN IN HELLFIRE AND YOU WILL WATCH ALL OF IT!

Kat sighed. “It’s still throwin’ a tantrum. Threatenin’ me an’ everythin’ else. Guess Dearc really pissed it off.”

“I know well the wrath of one who even imitates my kind. Can you silence it?”

Kat let her eyes lose focus and envisioned that sword sinking deeper into the stone. The raving was silenced. Blessed quiet. It rang in her ears. “Apparently, I can shut up the words, but not the feelin’s. I know it’s still spittin’ mad.”

“Well, at least the words will stop for a while.”

“For a while?” Kat asked, turning her head to look over at the ancient dragon.

“From what you described, Dearc is growing stronger. There may come a time when you must do more to contain them. The sword is enough at this point, but I doubt it will hold fast forever.”

“Then I’ll add more tae the collection,” Kat glowered.

“Even so, it may overwhelm you. What I advise, little abomination, is to become mighty. Not through deals, but deeds. Not just your brawn, but your heart. It is a cold and controlling force, become its opposite. Ah! I see that look. I know your heart is that of one who protects. You’ve said so plenty enough.”

“Aye, I know. It’s part o’ a struggle I’ve been ‘avin wit’ me girlfriends. They’re both more willin’ tae share than I am. Orenous bless ‘em both, they’re patient wit’ me, an’ respect me needs above their wants. I dinnae if I can do it.”

“When did you ever hear me say this would be easy?” Eldest of All chuckled, resting his chin near enough to Kat that his warm breath washed over her. It smelled surprisingly neutral for a creature so large.

“When in the Hells is anythin’ ever easy?” Kat groaned. “I’m a godsdamned… talented fighter an’ I still ‘ave tae train an’ work me arse off. Think any o’ me gear was cheap? All o’ it was either earned or made with coin that I got from blood, sweat, an’ tears.”

“You find letting go of your clutch to be equally difficult?”

“Kinda, aye. Listen, neither o’ ye speak about this, but they’re near the best damn things in me life. I’m feckin’ terrified o’ losin’ either o’ them. Hells, I’ve said most o’ this tae them. I just feel like when we were feckin’ around wit’ another, I was courtin’ that possibility.”

Eldest of All rumbled, his eyes closing. “Forgive possible rudeness, but have either of your mates given you reason to suspect as much?”

Kat knew the answer before she even spoke it. “Nae. Pretty much the opposite.”

“So, is it them, or is it you that you’re worried about?”

Stupid ancient dragon getting to the heart of the matter. Kat didn’t want to think about this part. She knew it was her. It always was when things got worse. Her insecurities, her inability to let go or loosen her grasp. Aranaea had been fun, but she’d know that’d be a one-time thing. A steadier lover or fuckbuddy, as Ann called it, though? It stretched her heart. Yeah, she lusted after women just as much as Ann seemed to, but in a browsing way, not actually hunting. She was just committed. Committed and stubborn about what that meant to herself. That meant her two, and no one else right now.

She tried to envision it: someone else in their bed, kissing and fucking them all. Why did it sound so exciting and wrong at the same time? Her head was going in circles while her heart did gymnastics. Aranaea was fun. Fun! What was the difference between her and Wendyl? Shit, her or Rowena? It bothered her almost as much as the rest that she couldn’t put her finger on what actually bothered her.

Kat threw her arms out, trying to get some of the pent-up stress out. Her forearms clacked against the stone. Surprised, she looked up and found her scales had come in faster than she’d thought. Even the backs of her hands were showing the tips of blue breaking through the skin.

“They accelerated since your meditation,” Eldest of All said. “I think what you did in there had a profound effect on your body as well.

Kat sat up and felt down her back. Sure enough, they were down to her tailbone and lower. Her legs had scales now, as did the tops of her feet. Her stomach was still mostly skin, but the scales framed her abs almost artistically. She was kind of happy that she kept a good portion of her skin. Sure, the scales were hot, but she didn’t want them to cover who she was.

“Oh,” Kat whispered.

“Hm?”

“I’m just as scared as Rosalyn was. She was terrified when she started tae change. My idea of a relationship is goin’ through the same thing. It’s new, an’ dangerous, an’ utterly unknown, so it’s absolutely terrifyin’. I’m a fool.”

Eldest of All’s lips pulled back in a metallic and bloody smile. “You are young. Young and experiencing things for the first time. It is human nature to resist change. Routine and safety are what kept them alive for aeons. You are fighting that instinct with your mates. The unknown is… horrifying if you let it be. Did I tell you I was as terrified to leave my hiding place when the Gods returned?”

“Nae,” Kat whispered, hugging her now scaly knees. Her inner thighs were still skin. That was nice.

“It took me decades to leave my cave. I was afraid the world of man would be as hostile to me as it had been before. I had to spend those decades reinforcing my will to go out and see what had become of the planet. Even dragons can know fear, little wyrm.”

“Little wyrm, eh?”

“I see more of my kind in you as I spend more time in your presence. For good and ill. Do not let it go to your head.”

“Nae, won’t. It’s wild tae think about someone as big as yerself bein’ scared o’ leavin’ a cave.”

“I know those fears once more,” Eldest of All grumbled, his face darkening.

“Aye, but now ye’ve got this town tae look after. Is that really the same?”

“I could hunt for them, provide and do more than be an arbiter and guard dog,” Eldest of All growled. “Instead, I am grounded and hobbled, unable to do much more than drag my carcass from room to room.”

“Or out the front door.”

“True. Hmmmm, it has been a while since I have left. I think I shall do so tomorrow.”

Tarnu perked up at that. “Really? I’m sure the people’ll love that. Abigail has been wanting to get to know you more.’

“Abigail… ah, the inlon child? Last I heard, she was too frightened to see me.”

“She’s growing up! Her height might be more stunted than an Inlon’s normally would be with all the metal, but she’s a brave little thing. Didn’t shy away from any of the newcomers when she came running in with a healing potion.”

Eldest of All laughed, lifting his bouldery head. “That is fine news. Yes, I would like to see her and the Crystal Cook. Poor thing does not get enough opportunity to make it up here.”

“Want me to run and get Alruna for an outing?” Tarnu offered.

“No, that won’t be necessary. I will not do it today, but tomorrow. It will give the rest time to know of my plans.”

“As you wish. So, Kat, how’re you feeling? Still need your girlfriend to blow your back out?”

“Well, never one tae turn that down, but not fer this,” Kat laughed. “Fer this, it’s gotta be me. I’ve gotta keep tryin’. After Aranaea, I think I’m ready to give something a try. Might backfire on me somethin’ terrible, but that’s the only way tae move forward. Shite, was only like two weeks ago I told Wendyl no. Feel like a damn hypocrite talkin’ about this now.”

“How did you explain it to this Wendyl?” Eldest of All asked.

Kat thought back to the awkward talk in Wendyl’s shop. Really thinking about it, she was making it worse than it likely was. She’d said she didn’t want to keep having threesomes with Wendyl for now, but left it open to things happening later. Explained that her heart and her head weren’t in the right place. “Maybe I’m not as bad as I think I am. Just told her not now and that I’d work on me.”

“Then you are not only not a hypocrite, but a woman of your word,” Eldest of All nodded approvingly. “This Aranaea was a pleasant carnal experience, I assume. Learn why, and see what else can be found that you enjoy.”

“Bein’ tied up by a giant spider woman was pretty damn awesome.”

“Excuse me?” Tarnu gasped.

“Oh, shite, right, so we get intae this really weird Seed, an’…”

Kat regaled Tarnu with the story of Aranaea and their entanglement. The old bear was enraptured, and when s he was done, clapped her shoulder heartily.

“I know there are some strange Seeds out there. That pleasure district one is probably still popular. Still, that’s a crazy experience! If I were younger and less… this, I’d make a trip to see this Aranaea myself!”

“Wouldn’t recommend it. That whole area sank into the swamp as soon as we got out. She also went feral as soon as we got out of her building, so I don’t think she’d be up for a romp like you want.”

“A crying shame,” Tarnu sighed.

“You have not taken a lover in years. Are you keen to do so?” Eldest of All asked Tarnu.

“Hm? I mean, I wouldn’t mind someone to lean my head against at night. It’s just what I look like changes things. Can’t be a normal person, and no one here really fits my type.”

“What, ye don’t like a plethora o’ limbs in all the wrong places?” Kat ribbed him.

“I can look past some of it, but there’s a limit,” Tarnu sighed. “Wish my heart didn’t just shut off when I look at one of us and see he has ribs poking out, or half his face is missing skin.”

“Ye in it fer the guys?” Kat asked, now very invested.

“Or girls. I’m not really picky. Just gotta connect with someone, and find them attractive. None so far has met those criteria.”

“Damn, even Alruna? Girl has a backside that won’t quit and seems like a sweetheart.”

“I… don’t tell her this, please? It’s the worms. She’s very attractive, but I just can’t get over that skin being filled with worms wiggling like her human flesh. How much did they do? Are they in her brain? It makes me queasy thinking about.”

“Funny, I’ve got the impression Rosalyn’s the exact opposite o’ ye. Honestly, they’re not terrible. Just uses ‘em like extra arms.”

“Until they get out of control, yeah, but she can get real terrifying when she cuts loose. Let me know if you still find her attractive after that.”

“What, the arms aren’t the worst o’ it?”

“I wish! No, you get to have that surprise for yourself. I’m not ruining that,” Tarnu cackled. “Still, she’s also ridiculously innocent about some stuff, and it just feels wrong for me to be the one to introduce her, you know?”

Kat knew exactly what he was talking about. Being virginal and innocent in her looks was a crying shame, but also felt like helping would spoil something.

Eldest of All laughed like an earthquake. “You young ones do me well to hear these discussions. So often are conversations professional reports, especially by our mutual friend. I do wish she would relax and enjoy herself at times.”

“She seemed really excited about her alchemy,” Kat pointed out. “Rosalyn was trying to crawl into her brain to learn more.”

“Again, that I could do more to foster her interests,” Eldest of All sighed like a hurricane. “The most I am able to do is guide her on the paltry knowledge I possess of plants. Should she be into gemcrafting or smithing, I could be of much more help.”

“I thought an earth dragon’d at least know about things livin’ in the dirt?”

“No. I lived in caves. If it is not lichen or subterranean mushrooms, I do not know it. That would be the domain of the root dragons. Should you wander east of here, you may meet one in the untamed wilds. Be cautious in your approach, however. Trampling their glades is a severe offence, and may cost you your lives.”

“Speakin’ o’ different types o’ dragon, what d’ye think I’m gonna wind up bein’?” Kat asked, sitting up. Her body had finally cooled off, even if she felt sticky with so much sweat.

Eldest of All leaned in close, his eye boring into Kat’s chest. “Hm. The creature inside you did not use its breath?”

“Nae.”

Eldest of All nodded. “Blue scales could be water or ice. Some sky dragons also possess scales like those. Perhaps a sapphire dragon as well? Gemstone dragons are exceedingly rare. I am sorry, but I cannot say for certain.”

“Well, me scales seem tae be done comin’ in, so we might get tae find out soon. Alright, I gotta get back tae Ann before she starts worryin’.”

“Or you start worrying about her,” Tarnu snickered.

Kat made to retort, but found herself agreeing. She would be the one to worry. “Shut yer trap, ya giant fuzzball.”

A gruff laugh accompanied Kat as she and Tarnu made their way out of Eldest of All’s chamber.